How to Fix Sticky Car Door Locks

How to Fix Sticky Car Door Locks

If you notice your car door locks become sticky, it can be a pain. There are a few ways to fix sticky car door locks, but you have to figure out what the issue is first. After diagnosing the reason for your sticky locks, you can fix the issue.

Diagnosing Sticky Car Door Locks

Often, sticky car door locks happen when you have a bad lock actuator. If you tried to unlock the door with a remote and the interior lock is stuck, it might be a bad lock actuator. This can lead to a safety concern and can be very annoying.

If you have a bad door lock actuator, it can be fixed, however. It might be best to hire a good automotive locksmith to make sure it’s handled properly. The most common signs of a bad door lock actuator include:

  • The inside door handle lock will only move slightly, but it won’t move enough to engage the actual lock.
  • The inside door handle won’t lock or unlock.
  • You can hear the mechanical clicking in the door, but the lock remains stuck.

If you notice any of these signs, a good locksmith can help fix your broken door actuator.

Another reason your car door locks might become sticky is a broken door latch cable. If this happens, the cable might not have enough force to unlock the door. This issue can cause you to have sticky car door locks that need to be fixed.

How to Fix a Stick Car Door Lock Fast

The fastest way to fix a sticky door lock is to use lock lubricant. This might work if the issue can be fixed with a little bit of oil. However, make sure not to use WD-40, sewing machine oil, or linseed oil. Each of these can cause bigger issues and won’t help you fix your sticky car door lock.

Other ways to fix this issue include opening the door up and looking inside. If you have no experience with this, it’s best to hire a professional locksmith to fix the issue for you.

Removing the door panel is the first step and you will have to disconnect the door latch and the cables. If the actuator is the issue, you will have to take it out and potentially replace it. Doing this yourself might not be possible if you don’t know what you are doing.

There are a few specific reasons why you might have sticky door locks. Before you can fix the issue, it must first be correctly diagnosed. Figuring out why your locks are sticking isn’t always easy, either.

Often, it could be caused by the door lock actuator or the cables. It may just need a little bit of the proper oil. Other times, there might be a part that needs to be replaced because it has failed.

No matter the reason you need to fix a sticky door lock, you need the right solution. If you don’t know how to handle this on your own, and automotive locksmith in Chicago is the best option. With a professional locksmith, you won’t have anything to worry about.

A good locksmith will not only diagnose the issue but also fix it pretty quickly. Your locksmith will know how to open up your door panel and fix the issue, no matter why your locks are sticking.

5 Ways a Locksmith Can Get Vehicles Open

5 Ways a Locksmith Can Get Vehicles Open

Common Situations That Require a Locksmith for Vehicle Entry

When you’re locked out of your vehicle, you need an automotive locksmith to help. There are many ways your locksmith can get your vehicle open and get you back to normal. Let’s look at five of the most common ways a locksmith will open your vehicle quickly.

The Slim Jim

A tool carried by all locksmiths offering automotive services, the slim jim allows the locksmith to get into your care quickly. When the car is not unlocking, this took can be used between the weather stripping and the glass of your car window.

When an automotive locksmith inserts this tool, they can reach down to the lock and pop it open. It might look like a simple process, but it’s really not. If used improperly, a slim jim can disable the airbags or cause damage to the electrical system of your vehicle.

Reprogramming of Keys

With newer vehicles using the keyless entry systems, unlocking can be done with programming. A good locksmith will know how to use keyless entry systems and reprogram the lock. This is an easy way into your vehicle without any damage to the vehicle.

Broken Key Extractor

If the key has broken off in the lock, a locksmith can use a key extractor to pull out the broken part of the key. The key extractor will work in just about any situation with a broken key inside the lock.

Once the broken portion of the key has been extracted, your locksmith will create a duplicate key to unlock your car. It’s also possible your locksmith can use the door handle clip removal tool. This took will help make it possible to get into the vehicle, as well.

J and L Tools

Another option for your locksmith to get your vehicle option is the J and L Tools. These tools are used on older cars with switched lock and unlock buttons found within the inner panel of the doors. The J tool can be used in this case to reach down to release the car door by lifting the unlock button.

An L tool will be used in a similar way, but it works on more specific car models with specific designs. Typically, neither the J or the L tool will be used on a newer vehicle.

Re-flashing Immobilizer

With some types of vehicles, a theft-deterrent called an immobilizer will be causing the issue. This theft device will keep the car from starting if someone tried to steal it. It can become defective and can prevent you from starting your vehicle, in some cases.

Your automotive locksmith can get into your vehicle and can get your car moving fast. They know how to fix this issue and have seen it many times.

There are several ways for your locksmith to get you into your car and get your car moving again. These are five of the most common ways your locksmith will get you back into your vehicle and get it open fast. Whether you have an older vehicle or a brand new car, Quick Key Locksmith is here to help you.

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